Independence Day celebrations continue this weekend

Actor and musician Gary Sinise brings his band to Augusta for a free concert sponsored by the Augusta Warrior Project. Sinise stars on the TV series CSI:NYand named his band after the popular character he played in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. The Lt. Dan Band covers classics from Stevie Wonder to Jimi Hendrix and contemporary hits by Kelly Clarkson, Zac Brown Band and more. The band began playing for the USO in 2004 and plays more than 30 shows a year.

Gates open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.

All vehicles must enter gate 1 off Gordon Highway. Passengers age 16 and older must have a government-issued ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Pre-festivities for Thunder Over Thurmond continue with a giant, two-day yard sale held by the town of McCormick from 8 a.m. to noon. That night, local and professional gospel music groups will gather at the Dorn Boating Facility, State Road 33 and 124, McCormick, S.C. The music session begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m.

With music, air shows and fireworks, expect a blast at Thunder Over Thurmond. A full lineup of events begins with music at 4:30 p.m. Throughout the evening, watch biplanes and monoplanes fly over. At 7 p.m., the Silver Wings Jump Team will perform followed by the Gary Ward Airshow at 7:30 p.m.

The Fabulous Expressions will play music at 8 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. but the night doesn’t end there. The Jimmy Van Zant Band takes the stage at 10:30 p.m. until midnight.

Gates open at 4 p.m. Parking and a shuttle service is available on S.C. Highway 378 and State Road 533-124.

General admission tickets cost $20. VIP tickets are available for $100 and include admission for one, a parking pass, reserved seating and a meal prepared by a local chef. Purchase tickets at the gate or visit www.tixonline.com

Festivities lead up to the big event all day. McCormick’s two-day yard sale continues, pan for gold or shop at the farmers and antiques markets. Visitwww.thunder-over-thurmond.com for a full listing and locations.

Musicians from across the area joined together for the inaugural concert by the Augusta Amusements Big Band in February 2011. Now, the group of young and old performers are back for a July Fourth concert.

Rob Nordan, the executive director of the Columbia County Orchestra Association, will lead the band. The song selection will honor the military and include classic songs from Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and more.

A limited number of reserved seating tickets are available online or by phone. Tickets are $20 and $25. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate America’s independence with a visit to the history museum. View Revolutionary War artifacts, including a replica fort, swords, a cannon ball and a British tax stamp. Also on display is a locket with a portrait of George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Augusta.

The museum will be open all week, including Independence Day. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for ages 6 to 18 and free for children under age 5.